The comments have caused a sensation in Brazil, where Ronaldo is still revered and Pele's word is taken as gospel.

But they left Robinho bemused, and his representatives are now demanding Pele retract the remarks.

"A formal retraction from Pele will be requested, if what he said was not misinterpreted by the media that published it," read a statement on Robinho's official website.

"And if Pele does not come forward, he will have to deal with his very unfortunate comment in court.

"Robinho is upset and disappointed at Pele, who seems to have forgotten the great idol he was and that it appears Pele must be reading sensationalist media, to come up with such wrongful statement."